Grants

ED TRIO Upward Bound Program: eligibility, deadline, and how to apply (2026)

Updated October 2026 5 min read

Key Facts

Agency
Department of Education (ED)
Award Range
$287,537 to $981,028
Deadline
Closed 2022-01-31
Time Remaining
This cycle closed on 2022-01-31. Check grants.gov for the next cycle.
CFDA Number
84.047
Bottom line: The ED TRIO Upward Bound Program provides $287,537 to $981,028 in funding through the Department of Education (ED). Prepares high school students from low-income families and students whose parents did not earn a bachelor's degree for success in college through academic instruction, tutoring, mentoring, and cultural enrichment.

The ED TRIO Upward Bound Program is a federal funding opportunity administered by the Department of Education (ED). This guide covers everything you need to know to determine whether you qualify and how to submit a competitive application once the next cycle opens.

Use our free Grant Finder to discover additional programs you may be eligible for based on your organization type and location.

Eligibility requirements

To qualify for the ED TRIO Upward Bound Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Details from the notice (FY 2022, the latest competition): Eligible Applicants: IHEs; public and private agencies and organizations including community-based organizations with experience in serving disadvantaged youth; secondary schools; and combinations of such institutions, agencies, and organizations. An applicant must assure that not less than two-thirds of the youths participating in the project be low-income individuals who are first generation college students, and that the remaining youths be low-income individuals, first generation college students, or students who have a high risk for academic failure.

Eligibility requirements can change between funding cycles. Always verify the current criteria on the official program page before beginning your application.

Not sure your organization qualifies? Run the free Grant Finder check → or compare other Education programs by who can apply.

How to apply: step by step

  1. Register on SAM.gov. Every federal grant applicant needs an active SAM (System for Award Management) registration. Allow 2-4 weeks for new registrations to process. Existing registrations must be renewed annually.
  2. Get a UEI number. Your Unique Entity Identifier is assigned through SAM.gov and replaces the old DUNS number. You will need this on every federal application.
  3. Review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Download the full NOFO from the program page. Pay close attention to review criteria, budget limits, and required attachments.
  4. Prepare your application package. Most federal grants require a project narrative, budget justification, organizational capacity statement, and supporting documents. Follow the page limits and formatting rules exactly.
  5. Submit through the system the NOFO names. Some agencies use Grants.gov and others use their own portal. Submit once the next cycle opens; late applications are usually rejected.
  6. Confirm receipt. Keep the tracking number or confirmation email, and check back in 1-2 business days that your application passed the validation checks.

For detailed guidance on writing a winning narrative, see our grant writing tips article.

Grant details

Detail Information
Grant Name ED TRIO Upward Bound Program
Funding Agency Department of Education (ED)
CFDA Number 84.047
Award Minimum $287,537
Award Maximum $981,028
Deadline Closed 2022-01-31
Category Education
Matching Required No matching funds required
Application Link Official program page

Federal grant budgets and priorities shift each fiscal year. The amounts listed above reflect the most recent funding cycle. For the latest figures, check the official program page.

If you are exploring business financing beyond grants, the team at CeoCult covers loans, lines of credit, and alternative funding for founders.

Get the free grant eligibility screener worksheet (PDF)

Check your fit for Education grants like this one before you apply: eligibility, match and registration in one worksheet.

Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible for the ED TRIO Upward Bound Program?

Details from the notice (FY 2022, the latest competition): Eligible Applicants: IHEs; public and private agencies and organizations including community-based organizations with experience in serving disadvantaged youth; secondary schools; and combinations of such institutions, agencies, and organizations. An applicant must assure that not less than two-thirds of the youths participating in the project be low-income individuals who are first generation college students, and that the remaining youths be low-income individuals, first generation college students, or students who have a high risk for academic failure. Requirements can change between cycles, so always verify on the official program page before applying.

What is the deadline for ED TRIO Upward Bound Program?

The current deadline is closed on 2022-01-31; the next cycle has not been posted. Many federal grants operate on annual or rolling cycles. If this deadline has passed, check the program page for the next funding opportunity.

Does ED TRIO Upward Bound Program require matching funds?

No matching funds required. Matching requirements can vary by fiscal year and applicant type, so confirm with the funding agency before committing resources.